Society of Members of the Legion of Honour

Society of Members of the Legion of Honour
Name	Society of Members of the Legion of Honour
Formation	0 1921
Headquarters	Paris, France
Membership	~55,000
Key people	General Georges Pélissier (President)
Website	https://www.smlh.fr

Society of Members of the Legion of Honour. The Society of Members of the Legion of Honour is a French association founded in 1921 under the patronage of Marshal Philippe Pétain. It is officially recognized as a public utility and serves as a mutual aid and solidarity organization for recipients of the Legion of Honour, the highest French order of merit established by Napoleon Bonaparte. The society promotes the values of the order, provides social support to its members and their families, and engages in patriotic and civic actions throughout France and its overseas territories.

History

The society was established in the aftermath of World War I, a period marked by significant social need among veterans and widows. Its creation was championed by Marshal Philippe Pétain, then the Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honour, with the first general assembly held at the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris. The organization's early mission focused on providing mutual aid to legionnaires affected by the Great War. It was officially recognized as a public utility by a decree from President Alexandre Millerand in 1921. Throughout the 20th century, including during World War II and the subsequent conflicts in Algeria and Indochina, the society adapted its support to meet the evolving needs of its members. Its headquarters have long been associated with the historic Hôtel de Salm, which houses the Musée de la Légion d'Honneur.

Organization and governance

The society is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its members, which in turn elects an executive bureau. The president is traditionally a high-ranking officer, often a General or an equivalent dignitary, with the current president being General Georges Pélissier. Its national structure is decentralized into regional departmental and local committees, ensuring a presence across Metropolitan France and in overseas departments like Réunion and French Guiana. The day-to-day administration is managed by a secretary-general, and it maintains close institutional ties with the Grand Chancery of the Legion of Honour, located at the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur.

Activities and objectives

Its primary objectives are fraternal solidarity, moral support, and material aid for members and their families, particularly the elderly, disabled, or those in financial difficulty. The society organizes commemorative ceremonies at national monuments like the Arc de Triomphe and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It actively promotes civic education and the values of the Republic through partnerships with schools and institutions like the Institut de France. Furthermore, it awards scholarships and supports charitable works, often in collaboration with other orders such as the National Order of Merit and the Ordre des Palmes Académiques.

Membership and eligibility

Membership is strictly reserved for individuals who have been decorated with the Legion of Honour, regardless of their rank (Chevalier, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer, or Grand Cross). The society also extends associate membership to the spouses and descendants of legionnaires. Prospective members must apply and pay an annual subscription. With approximately 55,000 members, it represents a significant portion of the living recipients of the order, which includes figures from the military, arts, sciences, and public service.

Notable members

Throughout its history, the society has counted among its ranks numerous illustrious figures. Early members included military leaders like Marshal Ferdinand Foch and Marie-Eugène Debeney. Renowned personalities from the arts and sciences have also been members, such as the chemist and Nobel laureate Marie Curie, the composer Maurice Ravel, and the aviator Jean Mermoz. More contemporary members include statesmen like Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, heroes of the French Resistance such as Jean Moulin, and cultural icons like the couturier Pierre Cardin.

Awards and distinctions

While the society itself does not confer the Legion of Honour, it awards several internal distinctions to recognize service to the community and the organization. These include the Medal of Honour of the Society, awarded in gold, silver, and bronze grades, for exceptional dedication and volunteer work. It also presents the "Médaille de la Famille" to honor large families among its membership. These awards are distinct from national honors but are presented with formal ceremonies, often under the auspices of the Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honour.

Category:Organizations based in Paris Category:1921 establishments in France Category:Orders, decorations, and medals of France